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Woodstock resident urges city task force on food security and humane ICE response
Summary
A resident told the council the city should coordinate the school district, nonprofits and churches to prepare for SNAP or other food disruptions, present a humane response plan for ICE activity near the community focused on child safety, and add regular community impact reporting to council agendas.
Martha Jean Schindler, a Woodstock resident, told the council during the public‑comment period that signs advertising food pantries around town suggest local food insecurity and asked the city to prepare.
"I think that's a warning sign that people here might already be struggling quietly," Schindler said, and urged the council to convene a joint task force with the school district, nonprofits and churches to prepare for possible disruptions to SNAP benefits or other food supply issues.
Schindler also asked the city to develop "a humane response plan" in case U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity occurs near Canton or similar incidents happen locally, with an emphasis on child safety and clear communication with families and schools. She asked the council to consider adding a community impact report to future agendas so the council can track broader issues that may not appear in regular departmental reports.
The speaker cited household income distribution in Woodstock and said that teachers and other community members who earn into the local income bands are feeling increased cost pressures; she tied those concerns to the superintendent's earlier comments on teacher compensation.
No formal city action was taken during public comment; the item was presented as a citizen request for council consideration and potential follow up.
